i was just wandering if any of you people could tell what time periods the katana was used. my friend said in the meji revolution, but i dont know if shes right. i dont even think thats a time period. i know it was real though. any ways, can any one tell me? thanks if ya do. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

Well keep in mind that no matter what anyone tells you, you can not buy a REAL sword for less than about $4000 and thats pushing it. You can get an iaido for about $200 but it's only a practice sword. The swords you see at the mall that are 440 stainless or "combat steele" are only good for hanging on the wall. Trying to cut with them or swing them around as if your pretending to fight with them could be very dangerous. The blade could snap under the stress of hitting things and the blade isn't as secure in the handle and could come loose and fly out and hit something or someone. Start saving now. A good place to look is www.bugei.com they have good swords, both iaido and real katana and wakizashi. You can look at anyone that sells Paul Chen swords but keep in mind, even though it's made by Paul Chen doesn't mean it a good sword. His company makes cheap swords too.

They won't be made in Japan. The blades in that price range from both sources are made in China, although they are made in a reasonably traditional fashion. Many serious koryu practitioners around the US use these blades on a regular basis.

Purchasing steel from Japan will almost certainly set you back a minimum of $4000 and really more like $5000. They are truly nice and beautiful weapons, but they are not the only source of decent training weapons.